How to Recognize Dry Rot

When left unchecked, dry rot can threaten the structural integrity of your home. Dry rot is a wood-destroying fungus that grows in damp wood and can seep through other types of building materials, such as bricks and mortar, to spread itself throughout your home. Because of this potential to spread so quickly, it’s important to be able to distinguish between dry rot and other types of rot and to bring in a dry rot repair specialist to treat the damage.

The development of a silvery-gray or mushroom-colored “skin” on the wood that can be easily peeled off. Patches of light purple or yellow may also be visible.

White, cotton-looking growth on the wood.

Rust-colored dust around the rotted area.

Wide, fleshy, orange-colored spores.

A damp, musty odor.

To verify the presence of dry rot, insert an ice pick or screwdriver into the affected area. If it goes in easily, dry rot is likely the culprit.

If you suspect your home may have dry rot, don’t wait before addressing the issue. Call a dry rot treatment expert for help. Because dry rot only appears in damp wood, eliminating the source of moisture should be a central component of your dry-rot repair strategy.